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Early obstetric discharge: does it make a difference to health outcomes?
1Centre for the Study of Mothers' and Children's Health, La Trobe University, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology
|March 4, 1998
Summary
Shorter obstetric hospital stays did not show adverse effects on infant feeding, maternal confidence, or depression. Further large trials are needed to confirm the safety and benefits of early postpartum discharge.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Maternal and Child Health
Background:
- Clinicians express concerns regarding adverse effects of reduced obstetric length of stay.
- Early postpartum discharge is increasingly common, necessitating research into its outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between shorter obstetric hospital stays and maternal/infant health outcomes.
- To assess maternal satisfaction and experiences related to postpartum length of stay.
Main Methods:
- A population-based survey of 1336 mothers in Victoria, Australia, who gave birth in 1993.
- Analysis of social and obstetric characteristics, and outcomes including infant feeding, feeding problems, maternal confidence, and depression.
- Regression analyses adjusted for obstetric and social factors.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between shorter lengths of stay (1-2 or 3-4 days vs. ≥5 days) and infant feeding at 6 weeks, feeding problems, maternal confidence, or depression.
- Adjusted odds ratios for formula feeding at 6 weeks for 3-4 day stays were 1.35 (95% CI 0.9-1.9), indicating no statistically significant increase.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence suggests that shorter obstetric hospital stays are not associated with adverse maternal or infant outcomes.
- Large randomized trials are recommended to definitively establish the safety and potential benefits of early obstetric discharge.